Contributors to offer reward for info on 9 Mile vandalism

By JOHN SERFUSTINISun Advocate associate editor

Several companies and organizations interested in protecting the archaeology of Nine Mile Canyon against vandalism have pooled their resources to offer a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of persons responsible for defacing the so-called First Site this summer.

So far, the list of contributors includes Bill Barrett Corp., Jones & DeMille Engineering, Eastern Utah Community Credit Union, Castle Valley Archaeological Society and the Utah Archaeological Society. The combined total stands at $1,800, according to Pam Miller of the Nine Mile Canyon Coalition.

The site, named because it is the first marked stop tourists encounter traveling from Wellington, is among the oldest examples of Native American rock art in the canyon. It is Barrier Canyon style, and according to experts is probably at least 2,000 years old and perhaps even older.

The site was defaced this summer when someone lit a campfire in front of the panel, then used left-over charcoal to scrawl graffiti on the rocks.

Persons who might have information regarding the vandalism are encouraged to contact the BLM toll-free at 1-800-722-3998. Reporting parties will remain anonymous.